Secretary of State Michele Reagan has announced the latest voter registration figures and the number of registrants in Arizona has increased 57,656 to more than 3.6 million active voters. Of the state's 3,646,122 voters, 1,259,956 are Republicans, 1,106,514 are Democrats and 1,240,263 have not designated an officially recognized party preference. Libertarians and members of the Green party make up a little less than one percent of the state’s total registration. “It’s good to see our enrollment continue to rise after last year’s general election,” said Secretary Reagan. “While we saw high levels of participation throughout 2016, we’re reminding voters how important their local elections are. Early voting for March elections begins February 15, 2017 in places like Phoenix, Holbrook and Goodyear. These community elections often have lower turnout so each and every vote carries a lot of weight. Nothing is more important than the quality of life in the place we call home, and these local elections give us the opportunity to make a real impact in our community.”The latest voter registration figures compiled by county, congressional district and legislative district are available on www.azsos.gov or by calling 1-877-THE-VOTE.

MCRC Immediate Past Chairman Tyler Bowyer: I wanted to take a moment to say a gigantic THANK YOU to everyone of the Patriots who have been there and helped with the Republican Party of Maricopa County for the past number of years. I have had the privilege and honor to be trusted to serve as the Chair of the largest Republican Committee in the nation and as of Saturday at about 3:30 pm, I am now a millennial retiree. We have been able to accomplish much, encourage many, challenge our elected officials and uphold the conservative tenets of the Republican Party platform. Thank you to those in the grassroots who have dedicated hundreds and hundreds of hours to make everything we do in the GOP possible! Getting the chance to have 3000+ mentors has been a learning experience like no other and we have had a lot of fun. In past years, different offices have transitioned with different results. I want to personally congratulate and help Chris Herring, Aaron Flannery, Yvonne Cahill, Cynthia Casaus and Sheila Muehling on their new roles. I can vouch that it's far from an easy job and we Republicans need to work together to support our leaders and a vision of a fresh, strong, modern conservative party in our local politics that voters can trust. I am committed to continuing to see that through by continuing to help our new leaders and in the important work we are doing at Turning Point USA and Constitution Week USA. May God Bless Maricopa County, our great State, our elected officials and the work we have to do together in 2018 and beyond!

LD18 PC Peggy McClain: Regarding the comments by Art Olivas and the politicians "kissie kissie", he's right. They were a complete waste of our time. They should be asking us what our concerns are (since we are the customer) not telling us how great they are after we just heard months and months of politicians on the campaign trail. It was suggested by a fellow PC that we should vote first, then the politicians can talk.

Yavapai County ActivistSue Goodchild: How disgusting that the Maricopa GOP meeting allowed 868 proxies voted while only 886 actual in person people cast ballots. Disgusting and just shows what a total disaster the party is.....big deal that the GOP has won ~ no unity and only discord....and self-interests by the money controlled....and remember Soros puts in lots of $'s for whom the opposing folks want elected!!!!!

LD26 State Committeeman Joe Neglia: AZGOP Chair Candidate Jonathan Lines is apparently a generous donor. According to the Federal Elections Commission, Lines contributed $500 to the John McCain 2016 campaign and $500 to the Jeb Bush campaign. See donations at WWW.FEC.GOV, or http://www.joeneglia.com/Lines.png"

Editor’s Note: Briefs offered Lines an opportunity to comment on his donations -- Jonathan Lines:In response, I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to help elect Republican candidates for all levels of government. Once Senator McCain secured the Republican nomination and the right to take on Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, it was an easy decision to support the Republican candidate. I believed, and still do, that electing Republicans is the only way to repeal ObamaCare, tear up the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, and destroy ISIS. Ann Kirkpatrick was an ObamaCare supporter, calling it her proudest vote. I knew we needed to defeat her, and I needed to do what I could to do so. I’ve also given thousands of dollars over the years to state and local Republican Party organizations, along with the hundreds of PCs I’ve signed up and the miles I’ve walked knocking on doors. I’ve always been happy to help any conservative institution that is dedicated to electing more Republicans and advancing the conservative agenda. I will put my grassroots and conservative record up against anyone in this race, and I’m proud of all I’ve done to advance our cause and our shared values.

Yvonne Cahill, newly-elected MCRC VC2 sends a “thank you to her supporters” and will aim to align ALL toward the common goals of organizing and electing Conservative Republicans to office to ALL positions of our government. Although she’s headed out to attend the inauguration and will face a busy week this week, she asks that anyone interested in serving on her alliance team send her a note. The role will be one to align with the various Republican Clubs in the County, fostering positive two-way communications between the MCRC & our important grass-roots clubs. Ideally, 4-5 people could serve regionally so travel and coverage is easy. Our goal is to cover the County well and enhance our support & feedback between these important groups & the MCRC. “See you after the HUGE day on the 20th!!!” Yvonne’s email is sales@thebestazagent.com.

Brian Reilly, Former LD 22 PC: As one who supported Mr. Trump from the beginning and voted for Mr. Trump and helped to elect Mr. Trump, I believe that America is now in a much safer place and in no need of safety pins, as suggested by former Arizona resident, Wayne Blair. For those people who are still upset about Joe Arpaio losing the sheriff’s office to the Democratic Party, many Republicans were simply too blind and ignorant to see the shifting political winds that Arpaio faced. Arpaio was in the perfect political storm leading to his defeat by nearly 13% of the vote in November. Republicans would have had a better chance to win in November with Dan Saban.

A Benefit Yard Sale For “Super Sammy, a young child fighting brain cancer, Medulloblastoma and Posterior Fossa Syndrome will be held between 8 am-4 pm., Jan 20 and 21 at Desert Hills Baptist Church, 20909 W Yuma Road in Buckeye. Sammy, who is receiving chemo treatments, is the son a local police officer and crew chief in the Air Force Reserves. Donations go directly to the family to help relieve financial stress. Donations can be dropped off at the church or www.gofundme.com/pumamedicalfund Sammy’s story at www.adventuresofsuppersammy.com Contact: 480-399-6772 or 623-302-4542.

Briefs Sent Identical Questions to the three AZGOP Chairman candidates. Their answers will be posted every day, in the order in which they came in, until the Jan 28 Mandatory Meeting election. Question #15: One of the biggest complaints PCs have had for the past few years is the lack of response to phone calls and messages left at HQ for the chairman. How do you plan to provide promptly response to constituent questions/messages?

JIM O’CONNOR:As mentioned in earlier statements I had made throughout my campaign, I will be once again opening the office to PC volunteers. They will be manning the phones and the front doors with warm and friendly attitudes. Questions they receive will be directed to people in leadership immediately and responded to fully in a reasonable time period. Hopefully most answered directly on the call.

JONATHAN LINES: The PCs are the backbone of our party and I have always believed that transparency and communication are vital for a successful organization. Just as I have done as County Chair, I will always be accessible to PCs to discuss their concerns, support their initiatives and make sure they have the resources they need to elect more Republicans to office. The reason that the PCs who I represent in Yuma County have re-elected me as chairman 3 times is because I listen, I respond, and I am always accessible to the PCs. I have never lost sight that I work for them, and that is the philosophy that I will bring to the Arizona GOP. PCs will have my phone number (928-580-0349) and I will have no higher priority than being responsive to the PCs who ensure our party’s success. If you visit my website, http://www.linesforazgop.com, you will see that I have a 100 Day Plan, which I intend to get to work on immediately. A major component of that plan is maintaining a high level of accessibility and transparency throughout my tenure as chairman. Moreover, we will be introducing plans over the next few days to provide even greater services to PCs, from training programs to technology tools. I am certain that when PCs are engaged and involved in our party, we elect more Republicans. And for that reason, I’ll always hold our PCs in the highest esteem. Our slate, including Cindy Coleman for Secretary and Eric Morgan for Treasurer, is a grassroots slate. We all started out as PCs and will never forget the sacrifices that our fellow conservative activists make to further the goals of our party. It will be an honor to serve our PCs as chairman, and to work with such dedicated activists to elect more Republicans and grow our party even more.

FRANK THORWALD: No response at post time.

Timothy Lee – AZGOP Compliance Director: It’s that time of year to remind all of you that certain reports are due this month to finalize your 2016 financial activities. If you need help, please call us. In addition, all elected Chairmen and Treasurer’s have 10 days after the date of their election to file new changes paperwork with appropriate agencies. Usually, the Arizona Secretary of State is your filing Agency. Bank accounts and signature cards must also be transferred into the name of any new Treasurer within 10 days after election. You may have another Officer on the account, but the Treasurer must be a signatory on all bank accounts of your Committee.

Congresswoman Martha McSally will participate in a tour and town hall with employees of the Southern Arizona American Red Cross at 2:30 pm today in Tucson The Red Cross location serves over 1.4 million people in Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Yuma, La Paz, Graham and Greenlee Counties.

The City of Peoria is having open houses for public comment on redistricting their council site. According to LD21 Chairman Eileen Muller, a lot of LD21 and LD22 folks reside in the City of Peoria and this will impact the 2018 elections. Contact: 623-773-7282 and or www.peoriaaz.gov Residents are urged to attend between 4-7pm:

McCain Calls For Major Boost to Defense Spending, Modernization of Joint ForceSen. John McCain on Monday released a plan to boost the national defense budget by $430 billion over five years in order to grow and modernize the U.S. military. McCain, who chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services, released a 28-page white paper recommending a $640 billion base defense budget in fiscal year 2018, which would represent a $54 billion increase over the budget proposal put forth by outgoing President Barack Obama. The plan also calls for repealing the Budget Control Act of 2011, which placed caps on the federal budget for a decade and paved the way for roughly $1 trillion in cuts to defense.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Said That A Damning Dossier On US President-Elect Donald Trump Was "False" And Dismissed Allegations That His Country's Security Services Had Been Monitoring Him As "Rubbish." Classified documents presented last week to President Barack Obama and Trump included allegations that Russian operatives claimed to have compromising personal and financial information about Trump, multiple US officials with direct knowledge of the briefings told CNN. "These things that have been alleged are clearly false information," Putin said during a joint press conference in Moscow with the Moldovan president. The accusations against Russian security officials were presented in a two-page synopsis, appended to a report on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. The allegations came, in part, from memos compiled by a former British intelligence operative, whose past work US intelligence officials consider credible. The FBI is investigating the credibility and accuracy of these allegations, which are based primarily on information from Russian sources, but has not confirmed many essential details in the memos about Trump. Trump dismissed the allegations as "fake news" at a news conference last week.

The “Salute A Soldier 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk” honoring wounded heroes is scheduled at 9 am. Sat. March 11 in Freestone Park, 1045 E Juniper Road in Gilbert. Register now and pickup your packet at 8am the day of the race, according to coordinator Kathy Pearce. $40 - 5K RUN/$30 - 5K Run for Military or $25 for 1 Mile Walk . Register: salute-a-soldier-5k-run-1-mile-walk-2017?= or you can visit our website AZHeroestoHometowns.org Register early and receive a $15 discount on the 5K by using code SAS15– good until January 22nd, 2017. Military use MIL10 for $10 off until Jan 22. Kathy Pearce kathy@azheroestohometowns.org or Mail to: AZ Heroes to Hometowns P. O. BOX 31646, Mesa, AZ 85275

The ASU College Republicans are hosting Dr. Donald Critchlow from the Center for Political Thought and Leadership to give a presentation on the ‘Future of the Republican Party.’ Critchlow will discuss what he believes the GOP needs to do to stay relevant and win elections as voter demographics and culture change. The meeting will be on Thurs, Jan19 at 6:30 at the ASU Tempe Campus in room BAC 324. Contact: President Kevin Calabresekevincalabrese@outlook.com or facebook.com/events

The Flagstaff Republican Women is hosting a January Inauguration Party Luncheon/celebration between 11:30 am-1 pm., Thurs., Jan 19 at the Doubletree Hotel, 1175 W Route 66 in Flagstaff to kick off “The Year of the Elephant Stampede”. Prizes for the most patriotically dressed. Wear red, white and blue. Raffle prizes include cash, jewelry, elephants and surprise goodies to inaugural souvenirs. RSVP deadline is Sun., Jan 15 to guarantee a seat. $17 members, $20 non-members, $5 non-lunch attendees. RSVP to frwrsvp@gmail.com or Joan Harris 298-226-0502.

The Colorado River Tea Party meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Community Christian Church, 6480 E Hwy95 in Yuma. The next meeting is at 6 pm., Thurs., Jan 19 with Sheriff Leon Wilmot. Contact: Chairman Sally Kizer 928-210-1219 coloradoriverteaparty@yahoo.com

JAN 20

The Republican Office at 99th and Bell, 10050 West Bell Road, Suite #50 is planning a “pot luck bunch” and will live stream Donald Trump's 2017 Inauguration ceremonies at 10am Arizona time, Fri., Jan 20. Some egg dishes will be available. If attending, please bring fruit, orange juice or rolls to share. Or give a financial donation. LD21 is holding a 50/50 drawing. Doors open at 9 am. Contact: Manage Phyllis/Peter Leemdcyclist@live.com

The ASU College Republicans are hosting Dr. Donald Critchlow from the Center for Political Thought and Leadership to give a presentation on the ‘Future of the Republican Party.’ Critchlow will discuss what he believes the GOP needs to do to stay relevant and win elections as voter demographics and culture change. The meeting will be on Thurs, Jan19 at 6:30 at the ASU Tempe Campus in room BAC 324. Contact: President Kevin Calabresekevincalabrese@outlook.com or facebook.com/events

The Pima County Republicans will celebrate with a Fri., Jan 20startingwith:

·and separate party scheduled between 5:30-10 pm at the Wilbur’s Grill at the Viscount Suites Hotel, 4855 E Broadway in Tucson.

JAN 21

The Sonoita-Elgin Tea Party urges residents to attend the 30 minute US Fish & Wildlife Service documentary “Wolves in Government Clothing” between 2-4 pm., Sat., Jan 21 in the Pioneer Hall at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. The documentary revolves around USFWS plans to expand the wolf reintroduction area from I-10 south to the US/Mexican border. Also see “Living with Wolves” presented by Wink Crigler, Owner X Diamond Cattle Ranch from Greer, AZ who was Named Society of Range Management's Top Range Manager 2011; along with Cindy Coping, Chair of Pima Natural Resources Conservation District; Mary Darling, former Appeals & Litigation Coordinator, U.S. Forest Service; and Emcee Dean Fish: Manager of the Santa Fe Ranch, Nogales, AZ. Open to the public – free of charge. Complimentary beverages and snacks. Sponsored by the Bowman and Stradling History Center. Contact:Sonoita/Elgin Tea Party Website

The Fountain Hills Republican Club will meet at 9 am , Sat., Jan 21 for a legislative update LD 23 Legislators Senator J. Kavanagh and Representatives M. Ugenti-Rita and J. Lawrence. Judge Michael Reagan will swear in newly elected officers. Only paid members can vote on the officers. Dues are $20 for individuals and $30 for families Coffee and breakfast snacks commence at 8:30 am.

Jan 23

Tempe Republican Women will meet with Alison Gentala of Arizona Families for Home Education and Vicki Algier, author of Failure: The Federal Miseducation of America's Children at 6:30 pm., Mon., Jan 23 at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, Arizona 85282. They will be handing out free National School Choice swag (scarves and posters.) A group photo will be taken at the end of the meeting. RSVP TempeRepublicanWomen/events Contact Chairman Jessica Merrow - merrowjessica@gmail.com

Jan24

The Fountain Hills Republican Club's "GOP Social" is scheduled at 6 pm., Tues., Jan 24 in the Fireside Grill inside the Lexington Hotel, 12800 N Saguaro Blvd, FH 85268. The GOP Socials are scheduled for the 4th Thursday of each month at the Fireside Grill. NO Speeches, no reservations, no host bar/drinks (with optional food). The Club's "GOP Socials" are open to all interested persons, membership in the FH Republican Club is not required. Everyone is welcome.

300 word limit policy. If statements exceed the limit, it will be edited

Congressman Paul Gosar: This week, I teamed up with US Sen Mike Lee in introducing legislation to end Obama's Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. AFFH marks President Obama’s most aggressive attempt yet to force his utopian ideology on American communities disguised under the banner of ‘fairness’. This overreaching mandate is an attempt to extort communities into giving up control of local zoning decisions and reengineer the makeup of our neighborhoods. No president, Republican or Democrat, has the right to dictate where Americans are allowed to live and it is up to Congress to rein in this authority on behalf of the people we represent. This is one of countless rules that President Obama can take with him when he leaves office in 5 days. Click here to learn more.

Congressman Andy Biggs: “Today, I voted YES on S. Con. Res. 3 to begin the Obamacare repeal process. Obamacare has been an abject failure, raising insurance premiums, increasing deductibles, and causing millions of Americans to lose their doctors. This week’s congressional action is the first step towards giving the keys to true health care reform back to the free market and the states, and I am proud to have cast this vote.” Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. He lives with his wife Cindy in Gilbert.

Congresswoman Martha McSally : My staff has put together a short issue survey that will help us make sure we're tackling the issues that are most important to you. I want to know what you want to see happen in 2017 McSally survey

Sen. Jeff Flake discussed efforts to rein in onerous regulations that harm Arizona’s economy with Scott Pruitt, the nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Watch a clip of the meeting here.

Congressman Paul Gosar: As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I kicked off the inaugural weekly address for the 115th Congress. Address highlights:

· "We believe economic growth and conservation are not mutually exclusive goals and can be accomplished by promoting balanced, commonsense reforms."

· “The House passed the Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017 and the REINS Act. These important measures will allow Congress and the Trump Administration to rollback job-killing regulations that were unlawfully implemented by the Obama Administration.”

· "2016 was the first time in seven years that the House passed an Interior bill and we had a lot of great wins. We need to continue that good work."

· My Southeast Arizona Land Exchange Act, H.R. 687, was signed into law and will create approximately 3,700 new jobs, generate $60 billion for Arizona’s economy and provide 25% of the United States’ copper supply.”

Sen Jeff Flake: Avoiding New Land Grabs: The Washington Postreported on President Obama’s designation of two new national monuments in Utah and Nevada. While Arizona was spared in this latest land grab, Sens. Flake and McCain reminded their fellow Arizonans to remain vigilant in the final weeks of this administration to avoid another unilateral declaration. Read the full story here

US Sen John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee: “President Obama’s commutation of Chelsea Manning’s sentence is a grave mistake that I fear will encourage further acts of espionage and undermine military discipline. It also devalues the courage of real whistleblowers who have used proper channels to hold our government accountable. It is a sad, yet perhaps fitting commentary on President Obama’s failed national security policies that he would commute the sentence of an individual that endangered the lives of American troops, diplomats, and intelligence sources by leaking hundreds of thousands of sensitive government documents to Wikileaks, a virulently anti-American organization that was a tool of Russia’s recent interference in our elections. Thousands of Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq upholding their oaths and defending this nation. Chelsea Manning broke her oath and made it more likely that others would join the ranks of her fallen comrades. Her prison sentence may end in a few months’ time, but her dishonor will last forever.”

Rick Perry visited with Sen. Flake, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to discuss his nomination and proper oversight at the Western Area Power Administration. Watch a clip of the meeting here.

Congresswoman Martha McSally after voting to provide a waiver for General James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense. Current law prohibits a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces from serving as Secretary of Defense within seven years of service without an exception passed by Congress. “This is the first time in 67 years this type of waiver is being considered, and I do not take it lightly. As a 26-year Air Force veteran, I am especially aware of the importance of the principle of civilian control of our military. While I am disappointed that the transition team restricted General Mattis from appearing before the House Armed Services Committee, I was able to speak with him over the phone to discuss my concerns. Given the many threats we currently face and the importance of providing stability at the head of our military, I believe providing this waiver today is right and appropriate.”